Ahren Lester

Articles by Ahren Lester

  • Emirates Islamic raises $750m from 'milestone' debut sustainability sukuk

    23 May 2024

    Emirates NBD-owned lender Emirates Islamic has raised $750 million from its inaugural sustainability sukuk, described as a "milestone" deal following the publication of key market guidance.

  • Bond round-up: AfDB, Verbund, IDB Invest ... and more

    22 May 2024
  • ESMA fund guidelines may be headwind for sustainable bonds, says Abrdn

    21 May 2024

    The recently published sustainable fund naming guidelines published by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) could dampen demand for labelled sustainable bonds, according to Abrdn.

  • Sustainable bond market hits $5trn of issuance

    20 May 2024

    Cumulative issuance of sustainable bonds has now crossed the $5 trillion mark, boosted by strong support from sovereign issuers.

  • Nordea launches two sustainable bond funds

    17 May 2024

    Nordea Asset Management (Nordea AM) has launched two dedicated euro-denominated sustainable bond funds, a month after it closed its social bond fund.

  • Maynilad readies first Philippines 'blue bond'

    17 May 2024

    Water and waste firm Maynilad Water Services is preparing to raise up to PHP15 billion ($261 million) from its debut 'blue bond' in late May, which will be the first instrument of its type from a Philippine issuer.

  • 'Remarkable' Italian green bond demand as key tweaks hit mark

    16 May 2024

    Enhancements to the planned use-of-proceeds and 'additionality' credentials of the new Italian green bond helped the sovereign to secure a record orderbook. Ahren Lester reports

  • 'Positive' response to TVO's €600m 'nuclear' green bond

    16 May 2024

    Finnish nuclear power firm Teollisuuden Voima Oyj (TVO) has raised €600 million ($650 million) from its debut green bond, with the transaction more than three-times oversubscribed.

  • Robeco: 'Greater clarity' on transition finance sought by Asian bond fund tilt

    16 May 2024

    Robeco hopes that integrating a "transition bucket" into its Asian sustainable bond fund will help develop clearer definitions for transition finance in the market, as it also looks to launch further transition-focused funds.

  • Bond round-up: Aldar Properties, UK, Italy ... and more

    15 May 2024